Ecclesiastical law

QualitySolicitors Smith Roddam offer highly specialised and technical advice for all ecclesiastical law issues faced by the clergy, parishes and dioceses of the Church of England, both locally in Durham and nationally.

Our experienced team offer advice to settle disputes outside of court, or can pursue matters through the Ecclesiastical Court to ensure fair resolution when needed. We understand the complexities of canon law, which cover all aspects of the UK’s civil and criminal legal systems together with the issues those secular systems cannot deal with – such as creed, magisterial teachings, sacraments and sacred places. It is proper that these matters be dealt with in their own jurisdictions so that laws and customs of church law, which have developed over more than 2,000 years, are respected.

We can advise on matters relating to:

Burial law, including memorials and exhumations

Charities and trusts

Clergy appointment and resignation

Constitutional matters

Criminal proceedings

Disputes and litigation

Employment

Faculty jurisdiction

Land and property, including churches, glebe, sacred places and rights of way

Marriage law

Overseas clergy

Parish reorganisation

Provincial and Diocesan Registry support

We can advise clergy, parishes, boards and councils of the Church of England on all ecclesiastical matters, and are also available to assist members of the clergy and administrators from other Christian denominations on any church law issues.

Make an enquiry

By ticking the box and submitting this form, you confirm you have read and accept our terms & conditions. *

By ticking the box and submitting this form, you confirm you have read and accept the processing of your data in accordance with our privacy policy. *

By ticking the box you give explicit consent to the processing of, where relevant, your data under special categories. *

When you click 'submit', you consent to providing all related details of your enquiry and that these details will be passed to a QualitySolicitors Partner Firm to get in contact. If you do not understand any items, please contact us.* Mandatory fields

About us

Our promises

QualitySolicitors Smith Roddam is the trading name of Smith Roddam Solicitors which is a firm of solicitors authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA No. 74375). The Authority's rules can be accessed at www.sra.org.uk. Our VAT registration number is 258357235.